The personnel choices made within the Trump national security regime are essential for understanding the administration’s actions and decision-making processes.
UPDATED: 5PM ET, 12/1/2025 Added reports regarding the Trump administration’s denials and Representative Ro Khanna’s announcement of a bipartisan Armed Services Committee inquiry into Hegseth’s activities. Updates are provided at the end of the post.
Stupidity doesn’t just occur; it is carefully orchestrated.
In this article, we will focus on one individual at a time, summarizing their recent actions and placing them within the broader context of the Trump national security regime.
Pete Hegseth Under Scrutiny?
Let’s begin with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Previously, I addressed Secretary Hegseth in articles such as “Amway Oligarchy and Trump’s Willing Figureheads” and “Shutdown, Clampdown, Clownshow or Horror Movie?.”
Hegseth, nominated and confirmed as Secretary of Defense, has garnered attention for the title “Secretary of War,” which President Trump announced in September. This executive order allows Hegseth to adopt this new title in official communications.
According to reports from NBC, formally implementing this title change could cost as much as $2 billion. The Pentagon must submit the necessary paperwork to the National Security Council to initiate this process.
Despite legal complexities, Politico indicates that the military-industrial complex supports the change, as do most Republican lawmakers. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has voiced his opposition, referring to the name change as “an encroachment on Congressional authority.”
Now, let’s shift focus to the serious allegations of war crimes involving Secretary Hegseth.
A recent operation by the U.S. Navy near the Venezuelan coast has come under scrutiny. Previous discussions about this impending conflict can be found here and here.
The Washington Post reported:
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly issued a directive during a military operation: “The order was to kill everybody,” according to two sources directly familiar with the incident.
In a missile strike off the coast of Trinidad, a vessel was targeted, resulting in a burning wreck. Video evidence later revealed that two survivors were clinging to the remains of the boat.
The Special Operations commander authorized a second strike, leading to the deaths of the two survivors in accordance with Hegseth’s orders. This operation marks the beginning of the Trump administration’s campaign against suspected drug traffickers in the Western Hemisphere, which has resulted in over 80 fatalities to date. Critics argue that such actions may lead to legal consequences for those involved.
Hegseth’s actions have not gone unnoticed, with bipartisan condemnation emerging. Former Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-OH), although removed from his position by House Speaker Mike Johnson in January, remarked that any “shoot to kill” orders would be viewed as serious and potentially illegal during an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation.
Democratic Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Kelly were unequivocal in their disdain for Hegseth’s alleged directives. Kelly, along with five other Democratic lawmakers, appeared in a public service announcement urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders.
Trump responded by accusing these lawmakers of “seditious behavior” and suggesting such conduct might carry severe repercussions, although he later qualified those statements.
The FBI has since reached out to those involved in the ad for interviews.
Shifting our focus, let’s delve into the 2020 coup attempt in Venezuela.
New Details on the 2020 Venezuelan Coup Attempt
One of the less successful endeavors during Trump’s first term involved efforts to install Juan Guaidó as the Venezuelan leader.
Recent court filings indicate that “high-ranking Trump officials,” including Elliot Abrams and John Bolton, were aware of the plans for a coup and may have taken part in its orchestration.
Among other revelations, the filings disclose a plan presented to Vice President Pence suggesting “false flag” operations in Venezuela, utilizing funds acquired through the “expropriation” of drug-related assets.
According to The American Prospect:
A proposal, categorized as “Virtual Democracy,” detailed an attempt to destabilize the Venezuelan regime through various sabotage measures, including the contamination of social clubs with hepatitis. A training camp for these activities was to be established in North Carolina.
This proposal never materialized, perhaps due to the need for approval from the Treasury Department for significant financial transfers.
While Abrams may not seem to be suffering from misfortune, he remains vocal about his views on changing regimes.
Trump Granted a Pardon to a Honduran Politician
At the end of November, Trump utilized his platform to announce the pardon of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, also endorsing his political ally Nasry “Tito” Asfura, who currently leads Hernandez’s right-wing National Party.
Hernández was found guilty of accepting bribes from Joaquín Guzmán, known as “El Chapo,” and presiding over a narco-state. He faces a lengthy prison sentence in the U.S.
It raises questions about the links Hernández had formed within political circles during Trump’s first term. His lobbying efforts involved connections to prominent Republican figures.
Currently, Asfura appears to be performing well in elections, which could please Trump.
Patel Faces Backlash in the NY Post
While negative press from CNN or The New York Times can be detrimental, a critical piece in the New York Post is especially noteworthy.
A recent column featured a damning report on FBI Director Kash Patel’s leadership, indicating he is “in over his head” and focused on personal ambitions over agency priorities.
The report likens the FBI under Patel’s direction to a “rudderless ship,” raising serious concerns about its direction and effectiveness.
This report highlights past controversies surrounding Patel, who has faced scrutiny for questionable conduct, including assigning a SWAT team for personal protection and allegedly misusing government assets for personal travel.
While these allegations are serious, they pale in comparison to the accusations facing Secretary Hegseth and former President Hernández.
As this administration continues to grapple with an array of controversies, it is crucial to monitor actions and responsibilities at the highest levels to ensure accountability.
UPDATE: 5PM ET, 12/1/2025
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal notes attempts by the White House to address the uproar surrounding the September attack, asserting the legal justification based on authority granted to Hegseth. Trump claimed he trusts Hegseth’s version of events, indicating that he was not responsible for the order to target the survivors.
Representative Ro Khanna has announced an impending bipartisan Armed Services investigation into Hegseth concerning these serious allegations.
🚨 Congressman Ro Khanna confirms that they are about to announce an “unprecedented” bipartisan Armed Services investigation into Pete Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/iAMjHiXwZu
